Disclaimer

This material is provided as guidance and does not represent a comprehensive SSOP, but rather a “tool kit” to provide direction
SSOP’s specific for your facility and product conditions.

Introduction
The purpose of a sanitation program is to provide a clean and sanitary environment for the safe manufacturing and handling o
program should be written with the goal of producing safe food, with this goal in mind the cornerstone of an effective program
Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).

While there are several key factors, such as assigning a plant sanitarian and documenting sanitation inspections, to building an
program this guidance document/checklist is focused on the SSOP’s, the cleaning procedures.

SSOP’s should provide a step-by-step method for properly cleaning and sanitizing each piece of equipment. The written proced
a training tool for employees on how to properly prepare/disassemble, clean, re-assembly and sanitize each piece of equipmen

SSOP’s are an organized approach that can include a list of all materials and supplies that are needed to perform the cleaning a
list can include, but is not limited to:
·         Tools to be used in the task, cleaning brushes, hoses and scouring pads
·         Tools required to disassemble the equipment to provide thorough cleaning
·         Cleaners and sanitizers that are used to properly perform the task
·         Clothing and protective gear required while performing the cleaning and sanitizing
o   It is very important that the employee be equipped to perform the cleaning task without the risk of personal harm. Rubber
gloves, face shields and goggles may be included in this list.

The SSOP should provide a step-by-step method for how to perform the task. This should be a very detailed procedure that wil
including, but not limited to:
·         Pre-rinsing of the equipment
·         Disassembling of the equipment, when required
·         Preparation of the cleaning chemicals
·         Application of the cleaning chemical, including concentration, temperature and contact time
·         Rinsing of the equipment to remove the chemical
·         Application of sanitizer, including concentration, contact time or if it can be left on at an approved concentration

The methods and approach taken in the development of SSOP’s should reflect the conditions mandated by the product, produ
other special needs. In all cases, the SSOP should provide precise instructions that will ensure the proper cleaning and sanitizin
remove contaminants and microorganisms that could cause harm to consumers.
 Sanitation Sandard Operating Procedure (SSOP) Guidance Checklist
Version 4 - May, 2015

Date:
Completed By:
System:
Equipment:

Not
# Description Complete Marginal Missing Notes
Applicable
I. Sanitation Needs Assessment and Documentation
List all personnel safety hazards present (electrical, thermal,
physical, slips, trips, etc .) and assure control measures are
compliant with all company policies and regulatory
requirements.

1.1 Identify the purpose and goal: State the expectation upon
completion of this procedure.

1.2 Identify the frequency that this procedure will be followed.

1.3 Identify the target/hazard(s) that will be controlled through

this procedure.
1.4 Identify the owner of the SSOP.
1.5 Identify a revision date or version number.
1.6 Identify the time needed to complete the procedure.

1.7 Identify all systems, lines, or units of operation covered by this

procedure.
Include a line diagram or pictures identifying difficult to clean
1.8 areas. Pictures will improve understanding and expedite
training.

1.9 List staffing needs including multiple departments, such as

maintenance, operations, and quality.
 1.10 Record updates to this procedure in change log.

1.11 Identify who is responsible for implementation and

documentation of ongoing verification procedures.
II. Sanitation Supplies (Chemicals and Equipment) Needed
2.1 List all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

2.2 Involve your chemical supplier when choosing sanitation

chemicals to assure proper use.

2.3 Identify the detergent to use (Verify use per label instructions).

2.4 Identify the sanitizer to use (Verify use per label instructions).

2.5 Identify the acid to use, if required (Verify use per label
instructions).

2.6 List the acceptable concentrations/ranges for all sanitation

chemicals.

2.7 Identify the test methods to determine proper chemical

concentrations. Document results.

2.8 List all cleaning tools needed (brushes, hoses, tools, scrapers,
buckets), include color coding, if applicable.

2.9 Identify the proper water temperature to be used at each step

(wash, rinse, and sanitize).

2.10 Identify the proper contact time for all chemical treatments.

III. Sanitation Procedure

3.1 Complete Lock Out Tag Out procedures and address any other
safety concerns.

3.2 List all areas and parts to be cleaned, including areas requiring
disassembly, such as clamps, gaskets, and guards.

For each section or piece of equipment, identify the cleaning

3.3 method, such as clean-In-place (CIP), clean-out of-place (COP),
full wet, controlled wet, or dry.
3.4 Clear supplies from the area prior to the start of sanitation
procedures (ingredients, packaging materials, etc.).

Carefully hand clean as necessary and then properly shield

3.5 water-sensitive areas, such as electrical motors, control panels,
or optical sensors from water.

Remove gross soils manually before using water (wet and

3.6 controlled wet procedures). Note: limit the use of compressed
air, as this will spread material, rather than remove them from
the system.

Perform an initial rinse to remove loose soils. Identify the

3.7 proper water temperature, pressure, and source, along with
any other mechanical force that may be needed to loosen
product build-up.

3.8 Identify details on how to clean, including use of scrapers,

brushes or other hand tools used to apply force.

For the wash step, include as much detail as possible, such as

3.9 foam consistency, scrubbing requirements, and contact time,
before and after washing.

3.10 Perform a rinse to remove any remaining soils and detergent

from the surface.

3.11 Evaluate the cleanliness of equipment to verify all soils have

been removed prior to sanitizing.

3.12 Sanitize the equipment after it has been washed and has met
visibly clean standards.
If needed, perform a final rinse step with post-rinse
3.13 expectations (analytical testing may be done to show no
residual sanitizer remains).
3.14 Acid wash to remove scale/buildup, if needed.

3.15 Remove all water barriers (plastic bags, shields) from the
equipment after sanitation.
 3.16 Remove all pooling or standing water from equipment and the
surrounding environment.
Replace all parts removed from equipment and restore to
3.17 operational positions.

3.18 Verify all sanitation supplies (tools, brushes, chemicals, etc.)

have been removed from the area.
3.19 Remove all safety signage and locks from the system.
IV. Inspection Process
4.1 Include a line inspection protocol.

4.2 Identify who is responsible for each level of inspection from

operator to final inspector.

4.3 List the inspection tools needed, such as flashlights, inspection

mirrors, picks, and other tools.

4.4 State the final inspection expectations (visibly clean,

analytically clean, etc.).

Document inspection results including hard to clean or hard to

4.5 access areas. Pictures are helpful to identify product hang-up
points or areas difficult to view. (Follow company photography
policy)

4.6 Identify any analytical testing needed. State the pass/fail

criteria and when samples, if any, should be collected.